Malaysia sets example in balancing 5G geopolitical interests, says Fahmi

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil highlighted Malaysia's dual 5G network approach as an example of balancing geopolitical and technological interests, according to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA). Fahmi explained that the government's shift from a single wholesale 5G network to a dual-network system helped mitigate risks associated with relying too heavily on any single technology provider or nation.

The move, initiated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aimed to maintain Malaysia's neutrality and avoid becoming a pawn in international geopolitical struggles. The dual-network setup includes one supported by Ericsson (Sweden) and another by Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE, allowing Malaysia to access both Western and Chinese technologies.

While the decision was complex due to geopolitical considerations, the GSMA's acknowledgment of Malaysia's strategy played a role in securing the hosting rights for the M360 Asean telecommunications event for three years. This achievement set Malaysia apart from five other countries vying for the opportunity, elevating Kuala Lumpur's status as a regional telecommunications hub.

In addition to hosting the event, Malaysia is seeking re-election to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for the 2027-2030 term, emphasizing the importance of shaping global telecommunications standards, including 5G, 6G, satellite, and quantum-secure communications. Fahmi is leading the Malaysian delegation to the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Doha, which took place from November 6 to 11.